Helicopter rescue closes down Highway 1

February 5, 2011 7:05:38 PM PST

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. --

All lanes have reopened on state Highway 1 in San Mateo County following the helicopter rescue of a person who may have suffered fatal injuries, according to a tow truck company employee and the California Highway Patrol.

Crews responded to a witness sighting of a vehicle about 100 yards over a cliff near state Highway 1 and Pescadero Beach at about 3 p.m. Saturday, CHP Officer Eric Anderson said.

The highway was closed down in both directions at 3:40 p.m. while a helicopter landed and rescued the unidentified male who was initially spotted on the beach, Anderson said.

Traffic was controlled through one lane on Highway 1 near the scene until about 6:25 p.m. while the vehicle was towed and officers investigated the beach, according to the CHP.

The victim who was found on the beach may have been significantly injured or died for unknown reasons, said an employee at the company that towed the victim's vehicle from the highway.

The employee, who didn't wish to be named, said the CHP instructed the company to keep others away from the vehicle until officers had a chance to conduct an investigation.

He said the CHP typically tells the company to hold cars for evidence in cases of significant injuries or death.